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Stainless steels containing both C and N have unique characteristics while requiring unconventional manufacturing methods. This latter feature also translates into a lack of systematic investigations into their properties. In this work, a series of 13 wt%Cr steels with various interstitial solid solutions of C and N was synthesized by high temperature solution nitriding, HTSN, of commercial 13 wt%Cr martensitic steels. Light optical microscopy was applied to reveal the microstructural features, which consisted of a combination of martensite and austenite in various ratios depending on the C and N content. The mechanical response was characterized by nanoindentation. Data analysis assumed a fixed hardening exponent and provided an estimate of the yield strength and Young’s modulus of the synthesized steels and their microstructural components. The comparison with literature data indicated that this estimate is sound for martensite, while the data for austenite suggests an underestimation of the hardening exponent for this phase. The investigation demonstrates the potential of HTSN for the synthesis of novel 13 wt%Cr steels alloyed with both C and N. Moreover, it suggests that the use of nanoindentation for extracting the mechanical properties is limited by the non-uniqueness of the method with regard to the hardening exponent.

We demonstrate quantum logic using narrow linewidth photons that are produced with an a-priory non-probabilistic scheme from a single 87Rb atom strongly coupled to a high- nesse cavity. We use a controlled-NOT gate integrated into a photonic chip to entangle these photons, and we observe non-classical correlations between photon detection events separated by periods exceeding the travel time across the chip by three orders of magnitude. This enables quantum technology that will use the properties of both narrowband single photon sources and integrated quantum photonics.

Human prostate growth and function are tightly controlled by androgens that are generally thought to exert their effects by regulating gene transcription. However, a rapid, non-genomic steroid action, often involving an elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+) ]i ), has also been described in a number of cell types. In this study we investigate whether androgens acutely regulate [Ca(2+) ]i in stromal cells derived from the human prostate.Human-cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSCs) were loaded with the calcium-sensitive fluorophore, fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester (FURA-2AM) (10 μM). Changes in [Ca(2+) ]i in response to the androgens, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone, as well as EGF were measured by fluorescence microscopy.DHT, but not testosterone (0.03-300 nM), elicited concentration-dependent elevations of [Ca(2+) ]i within 1 min of addition. These responses were blocked by the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide (10 μM); the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase pump inhibitor, thapsigargin (1 μM); the inositol trisphosphate receptor inhibitor, 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate (50 μM) and the PLC inhibitor, U-73122 (1 μM). Responses were also blocked by the L-type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (1 μM), and by removal of extracellular calcium. A similar transient elevation of [Ca(2+) ]i was elicited by EGF (100 ng·mL(-1) ). The EGF receptor inhibitor, AG 1478 (30 nM), and the MMP inhibitor, marimastat (100 nM), blocked the DHT-induced elevation of [Ca(2+) ]i .These studies show that DHT elicits an androgen receptor-dependent acute elevation of [Ca(2+) ]i in HCPSC, most likely by activating EGF receptor signalling.

Local authorities need updated and reliable data on the quantity and the quality of the waste generated in their area, in order to establish an integrated solid waste management system capable of fulfilling regional and national waste management targets. This paper presents information about the quantity and the characteristics of the municipal solid waste generated in Thessaloniki, which is the second largest city in Greece. It is based on the results of three research programs investigating the evolution of municipal solid waste. The investigations were carried out over the last 20 years at the landfill of Thessaloniki by the same research group using statistically acceptable practices for sampling and hand sorting. The results show a great increase in the incoming quantities during the last years and a significant increase of the per capita generation. There is also a significant change in the composition, demonstrated mainly by a decrease in the organic fraction followed by an increase of packaging materials (paper and plastic).